Zoo research
Research is at the heart of Bristol Zoo Gardens’ mission and is a requirement for all modern zoos. The Zoo’s own research programme, managed through BCSF, seeks to make a significant contribution to species and habitat conservation through providing a greater understanding of the ecology, health, welfare and optimal husbandry of the animal and plant species in our living collections. We also conduct research relevant to BCSF's field conservation programmes and conservation education programmes.
Bristol Zoo Gardens offers a range of opportunities to conduct research under our ‘Research for Conservation’ Programme. This can be short-term research projects required as part of a BSc or MSc course in a relevant field (biological sciences, veterinary science or social sciences), sandwich year placements, PhD projects or voluntary research experience placements. We also offer ‘Young Researchers’ placements for A-level students aged 16 or over.
The Zoo moreover welcomes externally supervised students/researchers who wish to conduct research projects that are compatible with our Research Policy.
If you would like to carry out research at Bristol Zoo Gardens or ask Bristol Zoo Gardens for information regarding your research topic or for completing a research questionnaire, please first look at the very useful information on zoo research and research guidelines compiled by the BIAZA Research Group.
Once you have read the information compiled by BIAZA, please submit your research proposal to Bristol Zoo Gardens on our Research Proposal Form (see below) For more information on the application process, please download our 'Research for Conservation' leaflet(see below).
